One in five vets are concerned that the problem of Christmas overfeeding of pets is growing worse, according to new research.
A study carried out by Petplan suggests that younger owners are most at risk of giving their animal too many treats during the yuletide period, with 20 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds admitting to doing so.
However, it is not only humans that are contributing to a nation of portly pooches and corpulent cats, as 23 per cent of owners report that their animals help themselves to Christmas leftovers.
Simon Wheeler, head of marketing at the
pet insurance provider, comments that many owners feel guilty about eating a festive meal and feed their animals with leftovers so that they do not feel left out.
"Unfortunately, what they are doing by over-indulging the family pet is the exact opposite of kindness. Pets need a healthy balanced diet which is what properly formulated animal food gives them."
Yorktest Veterinary Services recently warned owners to be careful of the food they give their animals as titbits such as mince pies can cause an allergic reaction in some animals.
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